Elite Auto Rental Blog

Although I don’t know of anything like this near me in Tampa, it looks like it is firmly established in Texas. Lyons has some interesting thoughts on the various business plans of the entrepreneurs who are making a go of developing these track centered communities for auto enthusiasts. Although not strictly related to the subject matter of this blog, I hope you will find his observations as interesting as I did.

In part, he writes in a Father’s Day themed article:

“The model, of course, is the familiar golf club, but racetracks have their own challenges. Ideas of the best business plan are still evolving, so every new private raceway has its own character. Many are residential, others not (we’re listing the latter anyway, in case they’re nearby and meet your needs). A few are strictly for members, while others host outside groups—sometimes that’s their primary business. Generally, a dual-circuit layout lets members retain access to one while the other generates rental income. Amenities vary from princely to practical. Many are still ‘paper tracks,’ some of which face local opposition and/or financial hurdles. Do your own due diligence before investing Dad’s money. ”

The article includes a rundown of 20 of the ventures with brief notes on the key features of each. Certainly of interest to anyone considering living trackside at a membership facility. Anyone ever been to one of these private tracks? Would you want to live trackside? Personally, I prefer exotic car rental and finding my own test course on the open road. I’ve never done it, but driving on a track just doesn’t have much appeal to me.

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070605/FREE/70604006&SearchID=73283937161414